Introduction
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender beef with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. Simply set everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This dish is best served over egg noodles or rice, making it a satisfying choice for the whole family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– Egg noodles or rice for serving
Prep Time
The preparation time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables, measuring out the ingredients, and getting everything ready to go into the crock pot.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: The beef stroganoff needs to cook for about 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the crock pot.
Total Time: This dish takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes to 8 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish, depending on your cooking setting.
Yield: This recipe serves about 6-8 portions, making it an excellent choice for family meals or leftovers.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and season it with salt and pepper in a bowl.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Combine with Other Ingredients
Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soup. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Set the slow cooker to low and cover. Let it cook for about 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream and a tablespoon of flour. This will help thicken the stroganoff later.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream at the End
Once the beef is tender, stir in the sour cream mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low to heat through.
Step 7: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the beef stroganoff over egg noodles or rice, as preferred.
Notes
Note 1: Beef Selection
Choose a good quality stew meat for best results, as it needs to be tenderized during cooking.
Note 2: Cooking Time
Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker; check for tenderness after 6 hours.
Note 3: Thicker Sauce
If a thicker sauce is desired, add more flour to the sour cream mixture.
Note 4: Make Ahead
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. Flavor often improves after a day in the refrigerator.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
The main cooking technique used in this dish is slow cooking. Cooking the beef stroganoff in a crock pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in tender meat and rich sauce.
Searing Meat
Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface, adding depth to the overall taste of the dish.
Layering Ingredients
Layering the ingredients in the slow cooker is essential. Start with the beef on the bottom, followed by onions and mushrooms, to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Thickening Sauce
To achieve a creamy and thick sauce, the use of sour cream is introduced at the end of the cooking process, which enhances the dish’s richness and texture.
Adjusting Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, a little broth or water can be added at the end of the cooking process to achieve the desired consistency.
Seasoning Throughout Cooking
It’s important to season the dish throughout the cooking process. Adding salt and pepper at various stages enhances the flavor and ensures a well-seasoned final product.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or pork, but cooking times may vary.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of regular flour.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge before cooking.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze beef stroganoff?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container, and it can last for up to three months.
Conclusion
The Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender beef with a creamy mushroom sauce, making it perfect for a comforting meal. Slow cooking enhances the flavors, resulting in a dish that’s enjoyable and satisfying for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff
A meatless twist on the classic, using mushrooms and plant-based cream for a rich and satisfying flavor.
Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
Serve the beef stroganoff over egg noodles for a traditional and comforting combination.
Crock Pot Chicken Stroganoff
Swap the beef for tender chicken, creating a lighter version that’s just as flavorful and easy to prepare.
Beef Stroganoff with Rice
Serve the creamy beef mixture over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling and delicious meal.
Slow Cooker Pork Stroganoff
Try using pork tenderloin in place of beef for a different take on this classic dish, with a unique flavor profile.
